Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, but it doesn’t have to mean coming up with a large down payment on your own. If you’re purchasing a home in Prince George’s County, you may qualify for one of several assistance programs designed to make homeownership more affordable.

Whether you’re buying your first home, working in an essential profession, or looking for financial assistance within designated areas of the county, there may be a program available to help.

Here’s a look at three of the most popular homebuyer assistance programs available in Prince George’s County.

Pathway to Purchase

Best for: First-time homebuyers who need help with down payment and closing costs.

The Pathway to Purchase Program is designed to help first-time buyers overcome one of the biggest barriers to homeownership—saving enough cash upfront.

Program Highlights

• Up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
• 0% interest deferred loan
• No monthly payments
• Forgiven after 15 years of owner occupancy

You May Qualify If You:

• Have not owned a home within the past three years
• Plan to purchase a primary residence in Prince George’s County
• Meet income requirements
• Complete a homebuyer education course

For many buyers, this program can significantly reduce the amount of cash needed at closing.

Critical Workforce Program

Best for: Teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other eligible critical workforce professionals.

Prince George’s County recognizes the importance of supporting the professionals who serve the community every day. The Critical Workforce Program provides financial assistance to eligible buyers working in approved occupations.

Program Highlights

• Up to $50,000, or up to 25% of the purchase price
• 0% interest deferred loan
• No monthly payments
• Can be combined with additional eligible assistance programs

You May Qualify If You:

• Work in an eligible critical workforce profession
• Meet income guidelines
• Complete a homebuyer education course

This program can be especially valuable for buyers looking to maximize their purchasing power while staying close to the communities they serve.

Homeownership Equity Program (HEP)

Best for: Moderate-income buyers purchasing a home inside the I-495 Capital Beltway.

The Homeownership Equity Program is designed to encourage homeownership in designated neighborhoods while making housing more affordable for qualified buyers.

Program Highlights

• Up to $30,000 in assistance
• 0% interest deferred loan
• No monthly payments
• Forgiven at 20% per year over five years

You May Qualify If You:

• Meet program income requirements
• Purchase within the eligible service area
• Complete a homebuyer education course

Because forgiveness begins after purchase, many homeowners can benefit from the assistance without long-term repayment if program requirements are met.

Which Program Is Right for You?

Each program serves a different type of buyer, but all share the same goal: helping more people achieve homeownership in Prince George’s County.

You may be a good fit if you are:

• A first-time homebuyer looking for help with upfront costs
• A teacher, nurse, firefighter, police officer, EMT, or other eligible essential worker
• Purchasing a home within an eligible area of Prince George’s County
• Looking for ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing

Depending on your situation, you may even qualify for additional mortgage programs that can be paired with these assistance options.

Let First Home Mortgage Help You Explore Your Options

Homebuyer assistance programs can make a meaningful difference, but every program has its own eligibility requirements, income limits, and property guidelines.

At First Home Mortgage, our experienced loan officers can help you determine which Prince George’s County assistance program best fits your situation, explain your financing options, and guide you through the homebuying process from application to closing.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Prince George’s County, let’s talk about which program could help make your homeownership goals a reality.